Principal Systems Engineer

The Principal Systems Engineer sets systems direction for electromagnetic spectrum operations as a mission area. You own the reference architecture for how Bluestaq detects, characterizes, and reports spectrum interference, drive integration with external partner systems and commercial RF providers, and translate mission goals into technical strategy and sequencing. The role carries final technical authority for spectrum work and represents Bluestaq’s system posture in senior customer venues.

What You Own

• Set systems direction for EMSO as a mission area, including roadmap and enterprise integration.
• Own the reference architecture and reusable patterns for spectrum detection, characterization, and reporting.
• Drive system-of-systems integration with partner systems and commercial RF sensing providers.
• Translate mission goals into concrete architecture, technical strategy, and sequencing of change.
• Navigate conflicting stakeholder expectations across JCO, Space Component, and commercial partners into executable plans.
• Take responsibility for long-term system health: scalability, adaptability, technical debt, and lifecycle sustainability.
• Build the operator and engineer bench through qualification standards, training design, and mentorship.

• High School Diploma/GED and 18+ years of relevant experience, OR
• Associate degree in a related field and 16+ years of relevant experience, OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Mathematics, or related field and 14+ years of relevant experience, OR
• Master’s degree in a related field and 12+ years of relevant experience

Must-Have

• Deep electromagnetic spectrum operations or electronic warfare background spanning electronic support, protection, and attack in an operational environment.
• Demonstrated ownership of reference architecture or system patterns adopted across an organization, not within a single team.
• Experience driving system-of-systems integration with external partner or vendor systems.
• Fluency in RF signal characterization: identifying emitters, isolating anomalies, and separating hostile interference from system fault or environmental effect.
• Working knowledge of commercial RF sensing and geolocation, including accuracy limits, revisit constraints, and the point where data stops supporting a conclusion.
• Proven record representing technical posture to senior customers and translating mission goals into executable technical strategy.

Preferred

• Active TS/SCI with no break in access, which removes the adjudication window that otherwise delays contribution on classified spectrum work.
• Formal EW qualification: Electronic Warfare Officer, EW Initial Qualification Course, or service equivalent; Association of Old Crows membership.
• EMSO JCO 202, TacSRT JCO 201, or equivalent Joint Commercial Operations operator training.
• Hands-on experience with spectrum management and deconfliction tooling such as SPECTRUM XXI, GEMSIS, or JSIR, or with commercial RF providers such as HawkEye 360.

For full-time positions

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision for you and your dependents
• Up to 6% match to 401(k) contributions with additional discretionary 4% profit share on day one. Roth options available; no vesting period.
• Every role is eligible for an annual performance bonus
• $200,000 employer-paid life insurance, plus short- and long-term disability coverage
• $5,000 annual professional development budget per employee
• 20 days PTO, plus 8 paid holidays
• Pet insurance, onsite gym, and flexible schedule

At Bluestaq, we build secure data platforms that matter for space missions, national defense, healthcare systems, and commercial innovation. Founded in 2018, we’ve become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management by staying focused on what counts: modern architecture, operational excellence, and mission impact.